but remained tight-lipped on the reasons he quit the Island for good.

Mr. Coxall, 57, booked a last-minute seat on the 6 p.m. British Airways arrival from London for the funeral of top businessman Harry Cox.

He said Mr. Cox was "a very dear friend who made me and my wife very comfortable when we first arrived here''.

Mr. Coxall, planning to fly home to England tomorrow or Tuesday, led the Bermuda Police Service for two-and-a-half years and resigned after a series of fall-outs with Government leaders.

Deputy Governor Peter Willis said Mr. Coxall resigned because of a "long-term erosion of confidence'' in him by Government.

When contacted by The Royal Gazette last night, Mr. Coxall would not give any reasons why he decided to resign.

He also refused to comment on suggestions he may take legal action against Government.

Mr. Coxall said: "I have come back for Harry Cox's funeral as he was a very dear friend and that's all.'' Mr. Cox died at the age of 70 after a long illness on Monday night. The funeral takes place at 3 p.m. today at Christ Church, Devonshire.

OBITUARY OBT